Auchi Residents Urge Action, Continue 7-day Protest Against Kidnapping

Residents of Auchi, the headquarters of Etsako West local government area of Edo State, have called for urgent government intervention as their protest against rising kidnappings in the area entered its third day.

The peaceful demonstration, which began earlier in the week, is part of a planned seven-day protest aimed at drawing the attention of the authorities and security agencies to the worsening insecurity in the community.

Large numbers of women joined the protest on Saturday, expressing frustration over the persistent abductions that have disrupted daily activities and heightened fear among residents.

One of the protesters, Nafishatu Abubakar, a widow, said the growing insecurity had severely affected her livelihood.

Speaking in her local language, the farmer and trader lamented that she could no longer go to her farm or conduct her business freely because of the fear of being kidnapped.

Another resident appealed to the government to urgently strengthen security operations in the area, noting that the worsening situation had made it difficult for many residents to sleep peacefully at night.

Also, Musa Surst said kidnappers appeared to have easy access to residential neighbourhoods, leaving many residents feeling unsafe even in their homes.

According to her, the persistent threat of abduction has made daily life increasingly difficult for families in the community.

Despite the tension and frustration expressed by participants, the protesters maintained a peaceful atmosphere throughout the demonstration.

They insisted that the protest would continue for the seven days as planned, while urging the government and security agencies to take decisive steps to curb the wave of kidnappings and restore lasting peace in the area.